Table and associated seat



Dec. 5, 1939. J. c. HIGGINS TABLE AND ASSOCIATED SEAT Filed Sept. 17, 193

d W E Patented Dec. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to tables having disappearing seats associated therewith.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel table and bench combination in which the benches or seats may be lodged within the frame structure of the table in order to conserve space. Other objects and advantages will appear and be brought out more fully in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a table and bench embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating the benches in extended position;

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; and

Figs. 5 to 8 are fragmentary views partially in section, illustrating details of the structure taken on lines 5-5 and 6--6 of Fig. 2'and of Fig. 3 respectively, and Fig. 8 being enlarged. Referring more particularly to the drawing, I show a table having a top [0 provided with a pair of U-shaped supporting members H, each I having uprights l2 secured to the top ill by screws [3, a horizontal base portion l4 and an angleshaped bracket or horizontal rest l5 secured by screws I6 above the base portions I4. Bracket 3 [5 has a lateral inwardly-extending top flange l'l adapted to form a rest for the bench legs, as will be more fully apparent hereinafter. A brace member 18 is shown connected between top In and flange IT. A plurality of pivot studs l9 are 35 each secured to base l4 and each stud is provided with a spacer sleeve 20 and pivotally secures one end of a link 2|, the other end being pivotally connected to a pivot pin 22 secured to a base member 23-of a U-shaped support 24, the 40 latter consisting of a pair of upright members 25 which support a bench top or seat 26 being secured thereto by screws 21. If desired, braces 28 may be secured between bench top 26 and each base member 23. The bench supports 24 are shown as having feet 29. An electric outlet 3%! may be provided if desired and secured to the under side of table top H] as by screws 3! and provided with an electric cord and plug 32 for connection with the house wiring to operate a 0 lamp, grill, toaster or other electrical device on the table.

The operation of my invention should be obvious. Assuming that the benches 26 arein the position shown in Fig. 3 for use, they may be swung up out of the way under the table top It] with and on the links 2! upwardly, inwardly and downwardly over the dead center onto the flanges H of the brackets l5. The lateral flanges ll of brackets l5 serve to support the feet 29 of the benches 26 in the closed position as shown in Fig. 2, it being clear that the benches can be readily swung upwardly and outwardly over the 1 dead center and then downwardly to the floor as shown in Fig. 3.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction for carrying my invention into effect, this is capable of variation 15 and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as come within the 0 scope of the appended claims.

'Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a table and bench as de scribed, said table comprising a top and floor engaging supporting frames, and horizontal auX- iliary support members thereon spaced below said I top a distance in excess of the height of the bench, said bench comprising a seat portion and 30 supporting end members, links pivotally connecting said frames and said end members, and the lower portions of said end members of the bench adapted to rest on said auxiliary support members when swung up under the table top.

2. In tables and associated seats, a table having upright side frames and a top supported thereby, horizontal rests rigidly mounted at the inside of the side frames, seats with supporting end members, links pivotally connected to the end members of the seats and the side frames adjacent the bottom of said end members and side frames whereby the seats are adapted to swing in an arc upwardly and inwardly over the dead .center and then downwardly between the side frames of the table and beneath the table top to support the seats with the lower ends of said end members on said rests when the seats are not in use, or movable upwardly and outwardly over the dead center and then downwardly to support the seats on the floor when in use.

JOSEPH C. HIGGINS. 

